Very Short Introduction Discussions at SNFL: September's "Work"
by Lauren Lampasone, Senior Librarian, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)October 13, 2020
On September 30, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library hosted the first in a monthly series of Very Short Introduction Discussions. September’s topic was “Work.”
Oxford University Press's Very Short Introductions offer concise overviews of a diverse range of subjects. The books in the series are written by experts in the field who combine facts and analysis with their enthusiasm for the subject to make for engaging and educational nonfiction. They are available to borrow in print form as well as read online with your library card at nypl.org/vsi.
Work, whether it be paid, unpaid, voluntary, or obligatory, is woven into the fabric of human society. For many it forms our identity. For others it is a tedious necessity. What is "work"? If you couldn’t make it to the live discussion, here are some questions to consider while reading Work. Feel free to respond by leaving a comment on this post.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Do you think one’s orientation to work is developed more before having worked or from being at work?
What, if anything, in the “Men’s work, Women’s work” chapter surprised you?
Do you think emotional intelligence is formed in childhood, or can it be learned on the job through training?
Virtual work: work/life balance, isolation, virtual teams, “tweeting while you work.” Do the issues raised in Chapter 7 resonate with you in a new way since the rise of COVID-19? How so?
While still relevant to U.S. readers, the VSI series has a British slant. Chapter 3 references Michael Apted’s Up documentary series. Have you seen them? What are some observations you’ve made on the participants’ work over the course of their lives?
This VSI was published in 2012, and ends on a note about the Occupy Wall Street protests. Has anything changed in the world of work since then that you think would make it into a future revision?
If you had enough money to never have to work for pay again, would you still work?
After you’ve finished the Very Short Introduction, you might be interested in continued reading on some of the themes explored in the text. We have made it easy for you by linking the author’s “Further Readings” section to our catalog below. Our recommendations are highlighted under each chapter.
On presenteeism and long hours: "Presenteeism: At Work—But out of it," via Ebscohost / "Extreme Jobs: The Dangerous Allure of the 70-Hour Workweek," via Ebscohost
On internship: "What Should Work Experience Look Like?" via The Guardian / "Internships Exposed as Unemployment Rises" via The Courier 1235 / "Interns 'Exploited by Employers', says TUC" via BBC News
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On September 30, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library hosted the first in a monthly series of Very Short Introduction Discussions. September’s topic was “Work.”
With your library card, it's easier than ever to choose from more than 300,000 e-books on SimplyE, The New York Public Library's free e-reader app. Gain access to digital resources for all ages, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, and more.